Dozens evacuated as armed man holds woman hostage in Shaw

POLICE on scene . . . after reports of a gunman inside a house in Shaw

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HOUSES were evacuated after reports "a man armed with a gun" was holding a woman hostage inside a Shaw property this morning.

A young child and a baby were also in the house when police arrived but have since been taken to safety.

Dozens of properties on streets surrounding the house in Pemberton Way were evacuated as a precaution as early as 6am. Families with young children, some dressed in pyjamas and dressing gowns, were out on the streets.

It is understood the disturbance began at around 12.30am but emergency services were called shortly before 3.15am.

Police have been negotiating with the armed man ever since, who is inside the property with a woman ­- understood to be around 30-years-old.

The Commercial Inn pub in Smallbrook Road opened its doors and took in dozens of residents who had been evacuated since the early hours.

Staff at the pub were aware of the incident from 12.30pm when they heard shouting.

Staff member Hannah Worthington said: "We opened up so that people had somewhere warm to go.

"I handed out free drinks and brews to people who have been outside since 12.30pm.

"One young lad was shaking when someone found him curled up in a corner outside."

Resident David Albison who lives with his wife next door but two from the incident was sat outside with his neighbours from 6.30am.

He said: "It started early this morning.

"It is a bit raw because she lives next door but two. The woman is part of the street. She is a nice young lady.

"I wouldn't recognise the man who has taken her hostage.

"I'm a bit worried."

He added: "The pub opened up for us because we were kicked outside. The whole street is here."

Moorside resident Tracey Walsh was staying at her sister's home in Rossendale Way at the time of the siege.

She said: "I had been out to take the dogs for a walk but was told I could not go back inside.

"Police said there was a situation with a gas leak. It is a bit scary."

Vickie Sutcliffe said her 71-year-old mother was evacuated from her home in Surrey Park, a three-minute walk from the incident.

Vickie said at 8am: "Police have evacuated them. My mum can't go back for three hours.

"Police just said there was a major gas problem."

There were two National Grid vans in attendance as well as one Electricity North West vehicle after hearing of a suspected gas leak.

Crews from Chadderton and Oldham fire stations were also called to help at the scene which has been cordoned off by police.

A police officer at the scene said: "There is an ongoing fire arms incident.

"The area will be cordoned off until is needs to be.

"First and foremost the priority is everyone's safety."

A GMP spokesman said: "Police were called to reports that a man armed with a gun had locked himself in an address on Pemberton Way in Shaw.

"Officers are in attendance and are attempting to engage with the man at the scene.

"A woman and two children were reported to also be in the property however the children are now safely out of the address.

"As a precaution a number of nearby properties are being evacuated."

Residents in neighbouring properties as well as those some three streets away were vacated by police, with some reportedly being told they could not return for at least three hours.